Hidden Gems for Ice Fishing in Illinois You’ll Want to Discover

If you're a true fisherman, fishing never stops, not even in the winter.

You might not think of Illinois as a place to go ice fishing, but several lakes offer this sport and many take advantage of it when the weather is right. Although the best month to go ice fishing in Illinois has passed (December), with winter upon us it may just be getting started.

Best Places to Go Ice Fishing in Illinois

Pack the gear and try one of these lakes for a day of ice fishing in Illinois Banana Lake in Wauconda; Independence Grove, in the South Bay only, off Buckley Road in Libertyville; Sterling Lake at Van Patten Woods.

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I feel like you have to be a somewhat experienced fisherman to go ice fishing to know what spots are good and what spots are dangerous, and really, the "how to" go ice fishing. Which, and again I have no idea 'cause nature yuck, seems to be a bit more difficult.

The Department of Natural Resources does suggest getting bundled up as much as you can, make sure to check the ice thickness before you drop your lines, and ice should be 4" thick (at least) to support your weight. Probably the best advice, once the ice gets slushy it supports half the weight, and probably time to call it a day.